Telegraph Commons

Telegraph Commons

Designer: Group IProject Completion: 2011Square Footage: 28,000

Located in the heart of Berkeley’s renowned Telegraph Avenue
district, Telegraph Commons – a 118-bed private dormitory for students with
ground floor retail – was a labor of love. Renovated two floors at a time over
the course of two years, this project aimed to provide quality housing and
functional retail space in one of the East Bay’s most frequented neighborhoods.
In addition to offering convenient access to UC Berkeley campus and local
culture and nightlife, Telegraph Common offers amenities that rival University
housing at a more affordable price.

In the course of the renovation, the handsome and historic
exterior was preserved, while the retail storefronts on the first floor were
completely rehabilitated to include various eateries, Melt, Gordo's, China Express and others to better serve the students and community at large. At the interiors, new metal furniture, plus modern
renovated common kitchens, baths and corridors offer a modern yet welcoming, comforting aesthetic. Careful design has allowed
the units to offer ample storage and the sensation of space despite efficient
floor plans. A testament to Group I’s philosophy, the Telegraph Commons project
significantly improved the building’s infrastructure while simultaneously
increasing the property’s value and usefulness.

Telegraph Commons provides a secure and stimulating space for
students to thrive while keeping an eye on their housing budget.